Lexus Magazine has a nice feature up on the GX 460:

The freeway is white with snow. The windshield wipers can barely keep up with the endless flakes rapidly hitting the glass. Gripping the wheel, I glance down at the navigation system. Just 20 miles to my destination, but it could take an hour or more if the traffic in front of me slows to a soggy, monotonous crawl.

Conditions couldn’t be more perfect.

This is my third storm in a week of test-driving the 2010 GX 460, which Lexus redesigned and released last fall, almost quietly…But over the winter, SUV drivers and veteran Lexus owners started to take notice: this mid-size SUV—larger than the RX, smaller than the LX—was selling very well. And after 1,200 miles of driving it through New Mexico and Texas, I’m starting to understand why.

I always enjoy reviews that get away from pure stats and figures and bring a personal touch — it makes for an interesting contrast to most vehicle reviews.

[Source: Lexus Magazine]

Old news now, but last week Lexus placed fourth in the 2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study with 88 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), coming in just one PP100 behind Mercedes and two PP100 under Acura.

In light of some recent quality issues, this result stands as quite an accomplishment for Lexus — even more so given that the recently recalled Lexus GX 460 took the the top position in the Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV segment. Other first place finishes for Lexus included the GS 460 in the Midsize Premium Car segment and the LS 460 in the Large Premium Car segment, which marks the third year in a row that the LS has placed first in its segment (and the 10th time in 13 years).

Overall, the LS 460 earned the distinction of the fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 55 PP100 — a major accomplishment for the Lexus flagship.

[Source: J.D. Power]

Motor Trend has a new luxury off-road comparison featuring the Lexus GX 460 against the Land Rover LR4 and Mercedes GL 450:

The GX ends up finishing second behind the LR4, and was well-received by the Motor Trend writers, especially in terms of value — however, they deducted points for its low tow rating (6,500lbs) and the lack of cargo space.

There is a full text review as well, along with a very nice photo gallery — which included this shot:

Crazy!

[Source: Motor Trend]

Consumer Reports have performed a test of the Lexus GX 460 software update:

The magazine also posted a final comment on the safety issue they discovered, which ultimately led to current Lexus GX 460 recall:

That’s what happened with the GX 460. The problem with the vehicle’s emergency handling capabilities was discovered by our auto engineers during routine testing. Within a week of Toyota being notified, its Lexus division had stopped the sale of the vehicle. And a couple of days later, it had duplicated the problem, identified a gap in the programming of its electronic stability control system, and was working on a software fix.

That fix is now available at all Lexus dealers, and GX 460 owners can have their vehicles repaired.

…the company acted rapidly to address the GX issue and provided a model for other companies to follow. The time between when we first notified them about the problem until our vehicle had the software update and we were able to retest the GX was less than a month. And that kind of responsiveness often gets rewarded in the marketplace.

Considering the current consumer climate, there was no question Toyota needed to deal with this GX recall quickly and effectively, but even so, the timeline is remarkable. Nice that Consumer Reports recognized that.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports has lifted its Don’t Buy: Safety Risk rating on the Lexus GX 460 after testing the stability control software update — from the press release:

CR contacted the Lexus dealership from which they had anonymously bought the vehicle and made an appointment to have the recall work performed. The work took about an hour and a half.

Following that, CR’s engineers again put the SUV through the full series of emergency handling tests. This time, the ESC system intervened earlier and its rear did not slide out in the lift-off oversteer test. Instead, the vehicle understeered-or plowed-when it exceeded its limits of traction, which is a more common result and makes the vehicle more predictable and less likely to roll over. Overall, CR did not experience any safety concerns with the corrected GX 460 in CR’s handling tests.

It’s good to see Consumer Reports acting as quickly as Lexus did in dealing with this unfortunate problem — amazing to think this entire situation played out in less than a month.

Read the full Consumer Reports press release…

Today Lexus announced that the Vehicle Stability Control update for the 2010 GX 460 is now available at all U.S. and Canadian dealerships. Dealers have begun contacting owners to set up service appointments for the software fix, and most should receive messages within the next week. Concurrently, sales of the GX 460 are resuming, as well as production in Japan, with the upgraded software now standard on all new GX 460s.  In a press statement, Lexus U.S. VP Mark Templin said the following:

“Since it was launched more than 20 years ago, Lexus has built its reputation on customer respect and concern for safety.  When Consumer Reports announced on April 13 that the 2010 GX 460 did not pass their “Throttle Lift-Off” test, we immediately stopped selling the vehicle and commenced a vigorous investigation. Thanks to the quick response and hard work by our engineers, we were able to identify and correct the issue in just about two weeks. This is our assurance to Lexus customers that their safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.”

Reuters further notes that owners of recalled GX 460s will receive a free car wash, fuel tank fill, and are entitled up to $45 per day of rental vehicle expenses.  The full press releases from the U.S. and Canada are available after the jump:

Continue reading this article…